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Kearns set to come back to Marlins on Minors pact

8/3/12: Austin Kearns chases down Roger Bernadina's long drive at the warning track for the second out of the seventh

By Joe Frisaro
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MLB.com |

MIAMI -- Some experienced depth appears to be returning to the Marlins.

Austin Kearns will sign a Minor League contract with the Marlins with an invitation to Spring Training, according to the Miami Herald.

Kearns, 32, made the 2012 Marlins as a non-roster invitee, and he was used primarily as a right-handed bat off the bench. In 87 games, the veteran outfielder batted .245 with four home runs and 16 RBIs.

Kearns provides depth as a corner outfielder and at first base.

The Marlins have a concern at first base, because Logan Morrison's status is unclear. Morrison is recovering from right knee surgery, and he isn't expected to begin running until about a week into Spring Training.

If Morrison isn't ready, the team will be looking at other first-base options.

The Marlins are not interested in bringing back free-agent first baseman Carlos Lee.

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.